The Groundtruth from a combat veteran, backed up by independent research and historical study. Information beneficial to the Troops. And a touch of objective politics, as it relates to the subjects at hand.

This site is unabashedly Pro-American and Pro-Military however none of the views expressed here are to be considered as endorsed, proposed, or supported by the Department of Defense or any other Agency, government, public, or private. http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/

Pro-Troop Non-Profits WE Support

Giftcards

Shadow of the Sword

SSgt Workman is featured in the Hall of Heroes and a book review on this from Marine Till Death that read it as it was written: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/shadow-of-the-sword-by-jeremiah-workman-w-john-bruning.html

http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/ssgt-jeremiah-workman-navy-cross-usmc-iraq-marion-oh.html and links to prior articles.

Combat Optical

Ad

Meta Tags & Counters

Biographies - Leaders

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Rear Admiral Troy M. Shoemaker

Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, John C. Stennis Strike Group

Rear Adm. Shoemaker, a native of St. Petersburg, Fla., graduated with honors from the United States Naval Academy in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering and was designated a Naval aviator in July 1984.

His shore assignments include tours with Light Attack Squadron 174 (VA-174), Light Attack Squadron 122 (VA-122) and Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106). He also served as aide to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations and Commander, U.S. Pacific Command; was assigned to Navy Personnel Command (Head of Aviation Officer Placement - PERS-433), and was the executive assistant to Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In his first flag officer assignment, he was assistant commander, Navy Personnel Command for Career Management (PERS-4). He has completed the Naval War College Non-Resident Program, and is a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College.

He assumed command of Carrier Strike Group 3 on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in October 2012.

Shoemaker’s personal decorations include Legion of Merit (4), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Air Medal (3) (one individual award with combat “V” and two strike/flight awards) and other personal, campaign and service ribbons.

Rear Adm. Gaouette assumed command of Carrier Strike Group Three, April 5, 2012. He most recently served as Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, U.S. Central Command. He was relieved of command during a float, following the 9/11/2012 attack on Benghazi.

Gaouette grew up in San Diego, and graduated from the University of California, Davis in 1981. He entered the Navy under the Submarine Strategic Weapons program and was commissioned at Officer Candidate School in April 1982. He is a qualified submarine officer and served as communicator in USS Gudgeon (SS 567) and combat systems officer in USS Lapon (SSN 661).

Gaouette commanded USS Oldendorf (DD 972) from 2001 through 2003. Following Oldendorf’s decommissioning, he and his crew moved to Fletcher as part of the Navy’s Sea Swap initiative. Gaouette also commanded USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) serving as sea combat commander for the Eisenhower Strike Group during its 2006 Middle East deployment as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2006, Bunker Hill received the Spokane Trophy for combat systems excellence in the Pacific Fleet. Both Oldendorf and Bunker Hill were awarded the Battle Efficiency "E" for two consecutive years under his command.

Ashore, Gaouette has served as East Team chief and executive assistant to the director of Operations and Logistics (J3/J4), United States Transportation Command and held several positions on the Navy staff.

Gaouette is a graduate of the Air War College, where he earned a concurrent master’s degree in Public Administration from Auburn University. In 2003, he was awarded the Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Award for inspirational leadership in recognition of the hard work by the crew of Oldendorf. He is the recipient of various personal decorations and unit awards.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia is the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and is the senior non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Armed Forces. In this role, he serves as the principal military advisor to the Chairman and the Secretary of Defense on all matters involving joint and combined total force integration, utilization, health of the force and joint development for enlisted personnel.

Sgt. Maj. Battaglia was born in New Orleans, La., on April 6, 1961 and joined the Marine Corps in September 1979. Completing Basic Training and Infantry Training School at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Pfc. Battaglia served as a Security Guard at Marine Barracks London, England.

Meritoriously promoted to corporal in November 1981, he was transferred to Company I, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines as a fire team leader. Completing Squad Leaders School, Water Survival Instructor School and Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defense School, he was reassigned as a Squad Leader.

Meritoriously promoted on Oct. 2, 1982, he was moved to Weapons Platoon as the 60mm Mortar Section Leader. Completing various deployments, in February 1984, he was transferred to Parris Island, S.C., for duty as a Drill Instructor assigned to Company I, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion and the Field Training Unit.

In June 1986, he returned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, as a Platoon Sergeant completing various Landing Force 6th Fleet and Unit Deployment Program deployments and in October 1987, attended the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Career Course, served as the Battalion Career Planner and Regimental Career Planner in 2d Marine Regiment.

In January 1990, he deployed to Norway followed by an August 1990 deployment to Southwest Asia. Combat meritoriously promoted to gunnery sergeant on Dec. 2, 1990 and upon return from the Persian Gulf War in April 1991, completed the SNCO Advanced Course, Airborne Parachutist School and assumed duties as Company Gunnery Sergeant. In March 1993, he transferred to the United Kingdom to the Royal Marine Exchange Program where he completed the Royal Marines Commando Course and served at the Commando Training Centre, Lympstone, England.

In July 1995, First Sergeant Battaglia was transferred to 2d Force Service Support Group for duty with Headquarters Battalion and in October 1996, he deployed with 1st Battalion, 6th Marines to Cuba in support of Joint Task Force 160. Returning during December 1995, he was reassigned as the First Sergeant, Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group 26 from April 1996 to July 1998.

Promoted to Sergeant Major, he transferred to 2d Marine Aircraft Wing and was assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252. In September 2001, he assumed duties as Battalion Sergeant Major, Weapons Training Battalion, Quantico, Va., and assigned to Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., from 2002 to 2004. He was reassigned to 2nd Marine Division and served as the Sergeant Major 8th Marines and Regimental Combat Team 8 during Operation Iraqi Freedom from November 2004 to May 2006.

In June 9, 2006 he assumed his duties as Sergeant Major, 2d Marine Division and Multi-National Force West-Iraq, from February 2007 to February 2008. During March 2008, he was transferred to Norfolk, Va., where he assumed his duties as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Joint Forces Command, from April 2008 to August 2011. On Oct. 1, 2011, he was appointed as the 2nd Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star w/Combat V and one gold star, Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal with one gold star, Navy Achievement Medal with 2 gold stars, and the Combat Action Ribbon. He is married to the former Lisa Lynn Contway of Libby, Mont.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

General Joseph Dunford Jr. has been recommended as ISAF Commander, Afghanistan.

General Dunford was promoted to General and assumed the duties of Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps on 23 October 2010. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, General Dunford graduated from St. Michael’s College and was commissioned in 1977.

General Dunford’s assignments in the operating forces include Platoon and Company Commander, Co K, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines; Company Commander, Co A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines; and Company Commander, Co L, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines. He served as the Operations, Plans, and Training Officer in 2d ANGLICO and the Regimental Executive Officer, 6th Marines. He commanded the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines and the 5th Marine Regiment. He served as the Chief of Staff, 1st Marine Division.

Other assignments include Aide to the Commanding General, III MEF and a tour in the Officer Assignment Branch, HQMC. He has also served as the Marine Officer Instructor, College of the Holy Cross; as a member of the Commandant's Staff Group; and as the Senior Aide to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Joint assignments include service as the Executive Assistant to the Vice Chairman, JCS; Chief, Global and Multilateral Affairs Division (J5); and Vice Director for Operations (J3).

As a general officer, he has served as the Assistant Division Commander, 1st Marine Division; the Director, Operations Division, Plans, Policies and Operations, HQMC; and the Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations; and most recently as Commanding General, I MEF and Commander, Marine Forces Central Command.

General Dunford is a graduate of the U. S. Army Ranger School, Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School, and the U. S. Army War College. He holds an M.A. in Government from Georgetown University and an M.A. in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Cutting his teeth fighting Indians in the 1880's, he fought and helped defeat the Spanish in Cuba. He went on to put down the Islamist Moro Rebellion in the Philippines, hunted the Mexican raider Pancho Villa, observed the Japanese-Russian War, and led US Forces in WWI.

Blackjack Pershing (September 13, 1860 – July 15, 1948) has earned his place amongst Great American Generals. His nickname "Black Jack" stemmed from his command of the Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry Regiment.

Lieutenant General Terry assumed command of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command on June 12, 2012. He also serves as Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Forces – Afghanistan and Commanding General, U.S. Army V Corps.

Lieutenant General Terry assumed command of U.S. Army V Corps in November 2011. Prior to this assignment he served as Commanding General, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Fort Drum, N.Y., from September 2009 to November 2011, and was deployed as the Commander, ISAF Regional Command South from October 2010 to October 2011. From August 2004 to February 2007 he served as the Deputy Commanding General (Operations), 10th Mountain Division (Light) and deployed as the Deputy Commanding General (Operations) for Combined Joint Task Force-76, Afghanistan from January 2006 to February 2007.

Lieutenant General Terry was commissioned as an Infantry second lieutenant from North Georgia College in June 1978. He served in a wide variety of assignments that include rifle platoon leader, company executive officer, and anti-tank platoon leader while stationed with the 1-15th Infantry Division in Kitzingen, Federal Republic of Germany; S-4 (Logistics), 2d Battalion, 327th Infantry, and S-3 (Operations), 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; assistant professor of military science and the assistant commandant of cadets, North Georgia College, Dahlonega, Ga.; battalion executive officer, United Nations Command Security Force Battalion, the Joint Security Area, Panmunjom, Korea; deputy G3 and brigade executive officer, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; executive officer to The Inspector General, U.S. Army; chief of initiatives and deputy commander of the Joint Warfighting Center, U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Va. In December 2003, he was deployed to Kuwait as the operations officer, Combined Forces Land Component Command/ARCENT in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lieutenant General Terry has commanded with distinction at every possible level. In 1981 he commanded Company A, 2-327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Ky. He also commanded 2-22nd Infantry Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), at Fort Drum, N.Y. from June 1994 to June 1996. During his command, the battalion deployed to Haiti in support of Operation Restore Democracy. From April 1998 until July 2000, Lieutenant General Terry commanded the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Light Infantry), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He also served as Commander, Operations Group, Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, LA, from July 2002 until December 2003. From April 2007 to December 2009 he served as the director of the Future Force Integration Directorate for the Army Capabilities Integration Center at Fort Bliss, Texas. In this capacity he was responsible for the synchronization and integration of all Army Brigade Combat Team modernization efforts.

Born in Chatsworth, Ga., Lieutenant General Terry was commissioned as an Infantry second lieutenant from North Georgia College in June 1978. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management from North Georgia College; a Master of Arts in Business Administration from Webster University; and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy and Policy from National Defense University. His military training includes Basic Airborne School, Army Ranger School, Air Assault School, Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Command and General Staff Officer Course, Inspector General Course, and the National War College.

Friday, August 31, 2012

As the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity, Ms. Marilee Fitzgerald has oversight of all DoDEA schools, in the U.S. and overseas. She was selected as the Director in November 2011 and had previously served as the acting Director since June 2010.

Prior to her recent service with DoDEA, Marilee Fitzgerald was appointed as the Director of Workforce Issues and International Programs, Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Civilian Personnel Policy, in June 2005. She oversaw and approved the Department of Defense (DoD) human resource policies and programs that affect over 700,000 employees worldwide. She also served as the Principal Deputy to the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Civilian Personnel Policy. During her tenure, she led the transformation of the Senior Executive Service and the creation of the DoD Civilian Expeditionary Workforce (CEW).

Ms. Fitzgerald also served as the Deputy Director for Field Advisory Services for the DoD Civilian Personnel Management Services, and served as its Acting Director before joining the staff of Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Civilian Personnel Policy. The Civilian Personnel Management Service provides DoD-wide policy and support to Component Headquarters and all operating field civilian personnel offices in the human resources arena. As Deputy Director for Advisory Services, Ms. Fitzgerald was responsible for executive program oversight, policy development, and management of field advisory services for the DoD civilian personnel program, including programs functioning through both appropriated and nonappropriated funds. In addition, she was responsible for the coordination of wage surveys, development of the resultant wage schedules, and development and issuance of special salary rates for the Department. Ms. Fitzgerald was charged with planning and implementing human resource strategies to meet Department-wide strategic plans for civilian personnel management. Within that strategic vision, she assisted the Department in drafting legislative proposals and other policy and regulatory guidance to meet the strategic direction.

Previously, Ms. Fitzgerald served as the Associate Director of Management for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). As the Associate Director of Management, Ms. Fitzgerald provided executive leadership in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating major system-wide support in the areas of human resources, logistics, procurement, financial management, information technology, and the management control functions.

Earlier, Ms. Fitzgerald held several positions with the DoD school system including: Chief of Staff, Chief of Executive Services and Chief of Staffing. In accomplishing these functions, she was responsible for conducting and overseeing long-range and strategic planning based on the strategic goals of DoDEA, the military, DoD initiatives and priorities, and Congressional requirements. She has also led many of the DoDEA reorganization and realignment projects, which included the decentralization of civilian personnel and other management functions within DoDEA, and the transformation to automated services.

Ms. Fitzgerald is married to Dr. Dennis Fitzgerald. They have two daughters and one son.

Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Terry A. Yonkers is the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics, Washington, D.C. Mr Yonkers is responsible for providing oversight for all matters pertaining to the formulation, review, and execution of plans, policies, programs, and budgets for installations, energy, environment, safety and occupational health as well as weapon systems logistics support.

Mr. Yonkers was born and raised in Hemet, Calif. He has more than 35 years experience developing and managing environmental, safety and occupational health programs. This includes 22 years in government and more than 16 years in private industry. Mr. Yonkers has worked extensively within the Department of Defense's planning, programming, budgeting and resource allocation as well as congressional budgeting processes. As the acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Environment, Safety and Occupational Health, he developed strategic policies, guided and oversaw Air Force's ESOH programs worldwide and a $1.5 billion annual appropriation.

As Senior Vice President, Business Development, ARCADIS, Inc., Mr. Yonkers advised government clients on innovative and cost-saving environmental and energy security solutions as well as represented business interests in national forums seeking process improvements to environmental security, energy security, climate change, environmental cleanup/compliance and property redevelopment.

EDUCATION 1972 Bachelor of Science degree in biology, University of California, Riverside1973 Advanced degree in education, University of California, Riverside1993 Master's degree in national security studies, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.1999 Program for Executives, Carnegie Melon University2000 Seminars in International Relations and National Security, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge2001 Master of Public Administration degree, George Mason University, Washington, D.C.

Roger M. Natsuhara was appointed Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Installations and Environment) in August 2009 and reports as the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Installations and Environment), ASN (I&E). Mr. Natsuhara participates in the formation and management of Navy and Marine Corps installation an environment policies related to construction management; sustainment, restoration and modernization of facilities; acquisition, utilization and disposal of real property and facilities; environmental protection, planning, restoration and natural resources conservation; and Safety and Occupational Health. He also serves as the senior installations and facilities program expert, and assists in discharging the responsibilities of the ASN (I&E).

Mr. Natsuhara first worked for the Boeing Commercial Airplane Company in Renton, Washington as a senior engineer in the 757 Flight Test Integration Group. He entered the Navy through Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and was commissioned an Ensign, U.S. Navy in 1982. His first assignment in the Navy was as a Surface Warfare Officer aboard USS HAROLD E. HOLT (FF1074), where he served as the Gunnery and Missile Officer and the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer. During this assignment, Mr. Natsuhara was selected to the U.S. Navy, Civil Engineer Corps, where he served in a variety of assignments for over 22 years. After retiring from the Navy, Mr. Natsuhara worked at Battelle Memorial Institute as a Navy Market Sector Senior Market Manager. He was then the Director of the Real Property, Facilities and Logistics Office for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with responsibility for the management and policies of all real property, facilities and logistics programs for NOAA.

Mr. Natsuhara was born and raised in Stockton, CA and received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a registered professional Civil and Environmental Engineer. He later earned a Master of Science in Financial Management from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California and completed the University of Michigan Executive Program in 2003.

Ms. Katherine Hammack was appointed as the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment (ASA IE&E) by President Obama on 28 June 2010. She is the primary advisor to the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the Army on all Army matters related to Installation policy, oversight and coordination of energy security and management. She is also responsible for policy and oversight of sustainability and environmental initiatives; resource management including design, military construction, operations and maintenance; base realignment and closure (BRAC); privatization of Army family housing, lodging, real estate, utilities; and the Army’s installations safety and occupational health programs.

Prior to her appointment, Ms. Hammack was a leader in Ernst & Young LLP’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services practice. In that capacity she assisted clients with obtaining Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification for their buildings and identification of sustainability strategies. She was the key LEED advisor to the largest LEED for new construction building in the world (8.3 million sq ft) which received LEED-NC Silver certification. She was also the key LEED advisor on the largest existing green building certification for building operation and maintenance (9.6 million sq ft) which received LEED-EB Gold level certification.

Ms. Hammack has over 30 years of experience in energy and sustainability advisory services. She has experience in the evaluation of energy conservation projects, including ventilation upgrades, air distribution, indoor air quality, lighting efficiency, cogeneration, sustainable design, solar energy and building operation.

Ms. Hammack has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Oregon State University and an M.B.A. from University of Hartford. She is a Certified Energy Manager, LEED Accredited Professional and a Certified Indoor Air Quality Manager. She has been an active member of ASHRAE, where she has been on the 90.1 Energy Efficiency Standard Committee and on the Standard 189 High Performance Green Buildings Standard Committee. Ms. Hammack is a founding member of U.S. Green Building Council in Washington, D.C.

Friday, August 03, 2012

James B. Cunningham was confirmed as Ambassador to Afghanistan on August 2, 2012 and previously appointed as Deputy Ambassador in Kabul, Afghanistan in June 2011. Prior to that assignment in Afghanistan, Ambassador Cunningham served as the Ambassador in Israel from August 18, 2008. Before arriving in Tel Aviv, Ambassador Cunningham was U.S. Consul General in Hong Kong, responsible for the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions of China. Prior to Hong Kong, he was Ambassador and Deputy U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations (1999-2004) and Acting Permanent Representative from January to September 2001. Ambassador Cunningham holds the rank of Career Minister in the Foreign Service.

Ambassador Cunningham has spent much of his career working on European and security affairs, with broad experience in multilateral diplomacy. After early tours in Stockholm, Washington, Rome and the U.S. Mission to NATO, he served as Chief of Staff to NATO Secretary General Manfred Woerner. He advised the Secretary General on all NATO issues in the context of the unification of Germany and the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact and the Soviet Union, and on the management of the 1,200 member international staff.

Just after Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990, Ambassador Cunningham became Deputy Political Counselor at the U.S. Mission to the UN. From 1993 to 1995, he served as Director of the State Department's Office of European Security and Political Affairs, with responsibility for many aspects of U.S. policy toward Europe. He served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Rome from 1996 to 1999.

Ambassador Cunningham was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania and graduated magna cum laude from Syracuse University, with degrees in political science and psychology. He is married to Leslie Genier of Mineville, New York. They have two daughters at university. He speaks Italian, French and Spanish. Ambassador Cunningham is the recipient of the Department's Superior, Merit and Performance awards; the National Performance Review's Hammer Award for innovation in government management; and the President's Meritorious Service Award. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Asia Society.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Lieutenant General Joseph Lengyel, was confirmed as the first three-star vice chief of the National Guard Bureau on 27 July 2012. The position of vice chief was re-established and elevated to the three-star level by the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act.

Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel was previously the Senior U.S. Defense Official; Chief, Office of Military Cooperation; and Defense Attaché, Cairo, U.S. Central Command, Cairo, Egypt. He was the principle military official at the American Embassy in Cairo and the Department of Defense representative to the U.S. embassy country team and host nation. As Chief, Office of Military Cooperation, Egypt, he oversaw a budget of $1.3 billion and two divisions responsible for all aspects of the security assistance mission in Egypt. The office provides advice and assistance to Egypt on a wide range of military procurement and training issues, serves as a liaison between the Egyptian Ministry of Defense and U.S. Central Command and provides administrative and logistical support to more than 2,100 military and civilian personnel and their families stationed in Egypt.

General Lengyel was commissioned in 1981 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at North Texas State University in Denton. He served in various operational and staff assignments, primarily as an F-16 instructor pilot and weapons officer. His experience in the F-16 includes tours in Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and the Texas Air National Guard. He has commanded a fighter squadron, operations group, air expeditionary group and the Air National Guard Readiness Center.

General Frank J. Grass was confirmed by the US Senate as the next Chief of the National Guard Bureau on 27 July 2012. He does not appear to have any combat experience.

General Frank J. Grass was previously the Deputy Commander, United States Northern Command, and Vice Commander, United States Element, North American Aerospace Defense Command (USELEMNORAD) at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

As Deputy Commander, United States Northern Command, General Grass helped lead the command to anticipate, prepare and respond to threats and aggression aimed at the United States, its territories and interests within the assigned area of responsibility, and as directed by the President or Secretary of Defense, provided Defense Support of Civil Authorities, including consequence management operations.

General Grass enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard in October 1969. He attended the Missouri Army National Guard Military Academy Officer Candidate School and was commissioned in the Engineer Corps in 1981. He has served in a variety of command and staff positions as a traditional National Guard Soldier, in the Active Guard and Reserve program, and on active duty. In his first general officer assignment, he served as Deputy Director of the Army National Guard in Arlington, Virginia.

General Grass previously served as Director of Operations, United States Northern Command. As Director of Operations, he was the principal advisor to the Commander on all operational matters, providing strategic guidance to plan and execute United States Northern Command missions within the area of responsibility; including air, land, maritime, ballistic missile defense and cyber homeland defense operations as well as Defense support of civil authorities.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS:

National Guard Association of the US ( Life Member)National Guard Association of Missouri (Life Member)Society of American Military Engineers (Life Member)Association of the United States Army (Life Member)National War College Alumni Association (Life Member)Missouri State University AlumniMetropolitan State University Alumni

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:

The Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal, The Army Engineer AssociationMissouri Conspicuous Service Medal, Missouri National GuardHonorable Order of St Barbara, United States Field Artillery AssociationDistinguished Service Medal, National Guard Association of the United StatesWashington Army National Guard Legion of Merit, State of Washington

Monday, June 25, 2012

Dr. James N. Miller was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy on May 25, 2012. He serves as the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and provides advice and assistance to the Secretary of Defense and Deputy Secretary of Defense on all matters concerning the formulation of national security and defense policy and the integration and oversight of DoD policy and plans to achieve national security objectives.

Prior to his confirmation, Dr. Miller served as Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Previous positions include serving as Senior Vice President and Director of Studies at the Center for a New American Security (2007-2009), Senior Vice President (2003-2007) and Vice President (2000-2003) at Hicks and Associates, Inc.; Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Requirements, Plans, and Counterproliferation Policy (1997-2000); assistant professor at Duke University (1992-1997); and senior professional staff member for the House Armed Services Committee (1988-1992).

A member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Dr. Miller has served as an advisor to the Combating WMD Panel of DoD’s Threat Reduction Advisory Committee and the Defense Science Board, as senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and as senior associate member at St. Antony’s College, Oxford. In 2000 he received the Department of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service.

Dr. Miller received a B.A. degree with honors in economics from Stanford University, and Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in public policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Mr. Frank Kendall is the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. He has more than 35 years of experience in engineering, management, defense acquisition and national security affairs in private industry, government and the military. He has been a consultant to defense industry firms, non-profit research organizations, [lobbyist] and the Department of Defense in the areas of strategic planning, engineering management, and technology assessment. Mr. Kendall was Vice President of Engineering for Raytheon Company, where he was responsible for management direction to the engineering functions throughout the company and for internal research and development. Before assuming his current position, Mr. Kendall was a Managing Partner at Renaissance Strategic Advisors, a Virginia-based aerospace and defense sector consulting [lobbyist]firm.

Within government, Mr. Kendall held the position of Director of Tactical Warfare Programs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the position of Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Strategic Defense Systems. Mr. Kendall is a former member of the Army Science Board and the Defense Intelligence Agency Science and Technology Advisory Board and he has been a consultant [lobbyist] to the Defense Science Board and a Senior Advisor to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Mr. Kendall also spent ten years on active duty with the Army serving in Germany, teaching Engineering at West Point, and holding research and development positions.

Mr. Kendall is an attorney and has been active in the field of human rights, working primarily on a pro bono basis. He has worked with Amnesty International USA, where he served as a member of the Board of Directors, with Human Rights First, for whom he was an observer at Guantanamo, and with the Tahirih Justice Center, where he was Chair of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Kendall is a Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and he holds a Masters Degree in Aerospace Engineering from California Institute of Technology, a Master of Business Administration degree from C.W Post Center of Long Island University, and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center.

Saturday, June 02, 2012

William F. Wechsler is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counternarcotics and Global Threats. Mr. Wechsler leads the department’s counternarcotics and threat finance policies and operations around the world, among other global issues, overseeing a budget of over $1 billion. He reports to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict.

In prior government service, Mr. Wechsler has served as Special Advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury and on the staff of the National Security Council as Director for Transnational Threats and as Director for Global Issues and Multilateral Affairs. His prior service in the Department of Defense includes positions as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for International Security Affairs. Before rejoining the Department of Defense, Mr. Wechsler was Managing Director of Greenwich Associates, a management consultancy to the financial services industry.

Mr. Wechsler received a bachelor’s degree in government and economics from Cornell University and a master’s degree in public administration from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University.

Sunday, May 06, 2012

Maj. Gen Charles W. Lyon is the Director of Operations, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. He is responsible to the Commander, Air Combat Command, on all matters pertaining to the direct operational planning, training, command and controlling functions to deploy and employ regular and Reserve component combat air forces, including more than 1,900 aircraft, in support of U.S. security objectives.

General Lyon entered the Air Force in 1981 as a distinguished graduate of The Citadel's ROTC program in Charleston, S.C. He has served in a variety of key staff assignments including duty on the Joint Staff as special assistant to the Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff and Deputy Director, Air Force Programs; and most recently as the Director for Joint Integration, Directorate of Operational Capability Requirements, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements. As a junior officer, he served as an F-16 weapons instructor pilot, flight commander, aide-de-camp to the Commander, Allied Air Forces Southern Europe (NATO), and requirements action officer on the Air Combat Command staff. He has commanded a fighter squadron, operations group, fighter wing and an air expeditionary wing in Southwest Asia that conducted air and space missions in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Gen. Mike Hostage is Commander, Air Combat Command, with headquarters at Langley Air Force Base, Va. As the commander, he is responsible for organizing, training, equipping and maintaining combat-ready forces for rapid deployment and employment while ensuring strategic air defense forces are ready to meet the challenges of peacetime air sovereignty and wartime defense. ACC operates more than 1,000 aircraft, 22 wings, 13 bases, and more than 300 operating locations worldwide with 79,000 active-duty and civilian personnel. When mobilized, the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve contribute more than 700 aircraft and 51,000 people to ACC. As the Combat Air Forces lead agent, ACC develops strategy, doctrine, concepts, tactics, and procedures for air- and space-power employment. The command provides conventional and information warfare forces to all unified commands to ensure air, space and information superiority for warfighters and national decision-makers. ACC can also be called upon to assist national agencies with intelligence, surveillance and crisis response capabilities.

Prior to assuming his current position, General Hostage was Commander, U.S. Air Forces Central Command, Southwest Asia. As the Air Component Commander for U.S. Central Command, the general was responsible for developing contingency plans and conducting air operations in a 20-nation area of responsibility covering Central and Southwest Asia.

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Mr. Robert L. Gordon III, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is assigned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, serving as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy, effective July 19, 2010.

Mr. Gordon is responsible for policy, advocacy, and oversight of all community support to service members and families; quality of life issues; state liaison initiatives; family programs and the 24/7, 1-800 family assistance services; child development and youth programs; military spouse career advancement; the off-duty, voluntary education program for military personnel; tuition assistance; morale, welfare, and recreation; defense resale for commissaries and exchanges; and family violence prevention and intervention. Included within the purview of his office is advocacy for quality education for all military students and defense-wide policy responsibility for the Department of Defense Education Activity that serves approximately 84,000 students in 192 schools in 14 districts located in 12 foreign countries, seven states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. His oversight includes the Armed Forces Retirement Home, casualty and mortuary affairs, and military funeral honors.

Thursday, February 09, 2012

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict

Michael A. Sheehan was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and sworn-in as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict (ASD SO/LIC) in December 2011. He is the Secretary of Defense’s principal civilian advisor on programs, policies, and resources for special operations. In addition, the office oversees Defense Department policies and programs regarding counternarcotics, humanitarian assistance, security force assistance programs for building partner capacity, and stability operations. Mr. Sheehan has over thirty-years in public service; much of it involved in counter terrorism, counter insurgency, peacekeeping, and law enforcement operations.

Mr. Sheehan is a 1977 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He served in a variety of infantry and special forces assignments. In the infantry, he commanded a mechanized company in an armored brigade in Korea with multiple tours on the Demilitarized Zone (1983-85). As a special forces officer, Mr. Sheehan served in a variety of counter terrorism and counter insurgency capacities. He commanded an Operational Detachment -Alpha in a hostage rescue unit in Panama (Company C, 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)) and participated in numerous training and advisory deployments in Latin America including Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador. In addition, Mr. Sheehan graduated from the Colombian Commando course, Lancero. He is Airborne, Ranger, Special Forces, Jungle Warfare, and Jumpmaster qualified, and is a recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge. In 1985 and 1986, Mr. Sheehan was the brigade counter insurgency advisor for the Fourth Brigade in Chalatenango, El Salvador, one of the most combative regions in the country.

"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” (W.Shakespeare) Rest in peace my Brothers, you have not been forgotten.

Sunday, January 08, 2012

Brigadier General Carsten Jacobson was born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1955, finished his school education there and joined the German Army as an Armoured Officer Cadet in 1974.

After serving in the classical functions in various Armoured Battalions on M 48 Patton, Leopard 1 and Leopard 2, he was trained as a General Staff Officer at the German Fuehrungsakademie from 1986 to 1988.

As G 3 Operations I. (DEU) Corps, he wrote the Corps last General Defence and first German Army Re-Unification Plan.

Following Staff Training in Camberley / UK, he served as COS Armoured Brigade and MA to VCDS Germany.

After Battalion Command and an Operational Tour in SFOR 1997 / 1998, he was ACOS G 3 II. (DEU) during the initial force built-up for KFOR.

On September 10, 2001, he started his tour as Military Attache to Washington DC, a fascinating experience for him and his family.

He commanded Panzerlehrbrigade 9, followed by an assignment to the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps in Germany.

His last position was Chief of Staff, German Army Forces Command.

Brigadier General Jacobson is married to Sally, a former British Army captain (QARANC), who is also his best friend. His main hobby is military history.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

John Kirby grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida. He graduated from the University of South Florida in 1985 with a B.A. in History, working part-time in the Sports Department of the St. Petersburg Times.

John was commissioned in September 1986 after completing Officer Candidate School.

At sea, he has served aboard the guided missile frigate USS AUBREY FITCH (FFG-34) as Electrical Officer, Assistant Navigator and Communications Officer. He also served as Public Affairs Officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV-59) and on the staff of the Commander, U.S. SECOND FLEET, embarked aboard the command and control ship USS MOUNT WHITNEY (LCC-20).

Ashore, John completed tours as an instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy; and as Public Affairs Officer with the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (Blue Angels), and with the staffs of the Chief of Naval Personnel, the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and the Chief of Naval Operations. He served as Editor-in-Chief of the Navy’s Flagship monthly magazine, All Hands, from 1997-1999.

John holds a M.S. in International Relations from Troy State University and an M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

His most recent assignment was as the Special Assistant for Public Affairs to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Brigadier General Bradley A. Becker is the Deputy Commanding General (Support) for United States Division – Center, Baghdad, Iraq, responsible for the oversight of support and sustainment to U.S. forces in support of Operation New Dawn.

He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery upon graduation from the University of California at Davis in 1986. His first assignment was with the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery, 3rd Infantry Division, in Schweinfurt, Germany, where he served as a Company Fire Support Officer and Battery Executive Officer.

After attending the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, he deployed to Southwest Asia where he served as the 1st Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Squadron Fire Support Officer during Operation Desert Storm.

Following the deployment, he was assigned to the 6th Battalion, 8th Field Artillery, 7th Infantry Division (Light) at Fort Ord, California, where he served as the Battalion Fire Direction Officer and Battalion S1 (Personnel & Administration). In 1993 he joined the 2d Battalion, 8th Field Artillery and relocated with the 9th Infantry Regiment to Fort Lewis, Washington, where he commanded Charlie Battery, 2-8 Field Artillery. Following battery command, he served as a Firing Battery Trainer for the 2d Battalion, 146th Field Artillery, Washington Army National Guard.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Admiral Robert F. Willard is a Los Angeles native and a 1973 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He has a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and is an MIT Seminar XXI alumnus.

An F-14 aviator, Willard served in a variety of west coast fighter squadrons; VF-24, VF-124, VF-2, and VF-51 aboard the aircraft carriers USS Constellation, USS Ranger, USS Kitty Hawk and USS Carl Vinson. He was Operations Officer and Executive Officer of Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and aerial coordinator for the movie. He later commanded the "Screaming Eagles" of Fighter Squadron 51.

As a Flag Officer, Willard twice served on the Joint Staff, was Deputy and Chief of Staff for U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, commanded Carrier Group Five aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and commanded the U.S. Seventh Fleet in Yokosuka, Japan. In March 2005, Willard became the 34th Vice Chief of Naval Operations; in May 2007, he assumed command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet; and on October 19, 2009, he became the Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.

Admiral Willard’s decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit and various other awards.

Saturday, October 01, 2011

Dorothy Robyn became the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Installations and Environment in July 2009. In this position, she provides management and oversight of military installations worldwide and manages environmental, safety, and occupational health programs for the Department. The Department’s installations cover some 29 million acres, with 539,000 buildings and structures valued at more than $700 billion. Her responsibilities include the development of installation capabilities, programs, and budgets; installation-energy programs and policy; base realignment and closure; privatization of military housing and utilities; and integration of environmental needs into the weapons acquisition process. She is also responsible for environmental management, safety and occupational health; environmental restoration at active and closing bases; conservation of natural and cultural resources; pollution prevention; environmental research and technology; fire protection; and explosives safety. Dr. Robyn also serves as the Department's designated Senior Real Property Officer and the DoD representative to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Dr. Jonathan Woodson is the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and Director, TRICARE Management Activity. In this role, he administers the more than $50 billion Military Health System (MHS) budget and serves as principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense for health issues. The MHS comprises over 133,000 military and civilian doctors, nurses, medical educators, researchers, healthcare providers, allied health professionals, and health administration personnel worldwide, providing our nation with healthcare delivery, expeditionary medical, educational, and research capability.

Dr. Woodson ensures the effective execution of the Department of Defense (DoD) medical mission. He oversees the development of medical policies, analyses, and recommendations to the Secretary of Defense and the Undersecretary for Personnel and Readiness, and issues guidance to DoD components on medical matters. He also serves as the principal advisor to the Undersecretary for Personnel and Readiness on matters of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) medical defense programs and deployment matters pertaining to force health.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Dr. Ashton B. Carter was sworn in as Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics on April 27, 2009.

Before assuming that position, Dr. Carter was chair of the International and Global Affairs faculty at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and Co-Director (with former Secretary of Defense William J. Perry) of the Preventive Defense Project, a research collaboration of Harvard and Stanford Universities. Dr. Carter was also Senior Partner at Global Technology Partners and a member of the Board of Trustees of the MITRE Corporation and the Advisory Boards of MIT’s Lincoln Laboratories and the Draper Laboratory. He was a consultant to Goldman, Sachs on international affairs and technology matters. He was a member of the Aspen Strategy Group, the Council on Foreign Relations, the American Physical Society, the International Institute of Strategic Studies, the Advisory Board of the Yale Journal of International Law, and the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations. Dr. Carter was also Co-Chair of the Review Panel on Future Directions for DTRA (Defense Threat Reduction Agency) Missions and Capabilities to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction, Chair of the National Security Strategy and Policies Expert Working Group of the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States, a member of the National Missile Defense White Team, and a member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on International Security and Arms Control.

Greenert has served in various fleet support and financial management positions, including deputy chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources (N8); deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; chief of staff, U.S. 7th Fleet; head, Navy Programming Branch and director, Operations Division Navy Comptroller. Most recently he served as 36th vice chief of naval operations (August 2009 to August 2011).

He is a recipient of various personal and campaign awards including the Distinguished Service Medal (6 awards), Defense Superior Service Medal and Legion of Merit (4 awards). In 1992 he was awarded the Vice Admiral Stockdale Award for inspirational leadership. He considers those awards earned throughout his career associated with unit performance to be most satisfying and representative of naval service.

Friday, September 16, 2011

General Carter F. Ham became commander of U.S. Africa Command headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany on March 9, 2011. U.S. Africa Command is one of six unified geographic commands within the Department of Defense unified command structure.

General Carter F. Ham served as an enlisted Infantryman in the 82nd Airborne Division before attending John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. He was commissioned in the Infantry as a Distinguished Military Graduate in 1976.

His military service has included assignments in Kentucky, Ohio, California, Georgia, Italy and Germany to name a few. He has also served in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Macedonia, and Iraq.

His previous assignment was Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe and 7th Army.

His military education includes the Armor Officers Advanced Course, Naval College of Command and Staff, graduating with distinction, and the U. S. Air Force’s Air War College.

General Ham's awards and decorations include Army Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Maj. Gen. Russell J. Handy is the Commander, 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Iraq, and Director, Air Component Coordination Element-Iraq. In these two positions, he is the senior U.S. Air Force representative in Iraq and represents the combined force's air component commander to the commanding general, U.S. Forces-Iraq.

General Handy was commissioned in 1983 through Officer Training School after graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He has held a variety of flying, staff and command assignments, including the 58th Fighter Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.; 3rd Operations Group, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin AFB; and 57th Wing, Nellis AFB, Nev. The general is a graduate of and has been an instructor at the USAF Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB. He has also served at North American Aerospace Defense Command as Chief, Headquarters NORAD Advanced Programs, Peterson AFB, Colo.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Major General Steven A. Hummer assumed his most recent assignment as the Chief of Staff to Military Personnel Policy's Repeal Implementation Team with the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness, OSD, in January 2011.He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1970 and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1973. He was commissioned following graduation from Albright College, Reading, PA.

As a company grade officer, he served in the operating forces with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines and 1st Battalion, 9th Marines. His assignments included Rifle Platoon Commander, Battalion Training Officer, Battalion Operations Officer, and Company Commander. As a field grade officer, he served in the operating forces with 1st Marine Division (1stMARDIV), I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), and III MEF.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Lieutenant General Scaparrotti assumed command of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command and Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces – Afghanistan on July 11, 2011.

Previously he served as the Commanding General of I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord after serving for two years as the Commanding General of the 82nd Airborne Division. During that time, he deployed to Afghanistan as the Commanding General of Joint Task Force-82 in Eastern Afghanistan.

In addition to the assignments noted above, Lieutenant General Scaparrotti has served in several key leadership positions at the tactical, operational, and strategic level in the United States military.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Leon Edward Panetta was sworn in as the 23rd secretary of defense on July 1, 2011.

Before joining the Department of Defense, Mr. Panetta served as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency from February 2009 to June 2011. Mr. Panetta led the agency and managed human intelligence and open source collection programs on behalf of the intelligence community.

Secretary Panetta has dedicated much of his life to public service. Before joining CIA, he spent 10 years co-directing with his wife, Sylvia, the Leon & Sylvia Panetta Institute for Public Policy, based at California State University, Monterey Bay. The Institute is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit center that seeks to instill in young men and women the virtues and values of public service. In March 2006, he was chosen as a member of the Iraq Study Group, a bipartisan committee established at the urging of Congress to conduct an independent assessment of the war in Iraq.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

General John R. Allen assumed his duties as the Commander, International Security Assistance Forces – Afghanistan and United States Forces – Afghanistan on July 18, 2011.

Lieutenant General John R. Allen became a Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on 2 June 2011.

Following commissioning, he attended The Basic School and was assigned to Second Battalion, 8th Marines where he served as a platoon and rifle company commander. His next tour took him to Marine Barracks 8th and I, Washington D.C. where he served at the Marine Corps Institute and as a ceremonial officer. Lieutenant General Allen then attended, and was the Distinguished Graduate of the Postgraduate Intelligence Program of the Defense Intelligence College. He would serve subsequently as the Marine Corps Fellow to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). He was the first Marine Corps officer inducted as a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Monday, May 30, 2011

General Raymond T. Odierno, United States Army, commands United States Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM). Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, USJFCOM provides mission-ready joint-capable forces and supports the development and integration of joint, interagency, and multinational capabilities to meet the present and future operational needs of the joint force.

General Odierno most recently served as Commanding General, Multi- National Force - Iraq and subsequently United States Forces - Iraq, from September 2008 until September 2010. He oversaw the transition from the Surge to Stability Operations and directed the largest redeployment of forces and equipment in the last 40 years. General Odierno returned to Baghdad to assume command of Multi-National Force - Iraq fewer than 7 months after completing a 15-month deployment with III Corps from December 2006 to February 2008, during which he served as the Commanding General, Multi-National Corps - Iraq.

General Martin E. Dempsey serves as the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this capacity, he serves as the principal military adviser to the President, the Secretary of Defense and the National Security Council. By law, he is the nation’s highest-ranking military officer. Prior to becoming Chairman, the general served as the Army’s 37th Chief of Staff. Past assignments have taken him and his family across the globe during both peace and war from Platoon Leader to Combatant Commander. He is a 1974 graduate of the United States Military Academy and a career armor officer. As a company grade officer, he served with the 2nd Cavalry in United States Army Europe and with the 10th Cavalry at Fort Carson. Following troop command he earned his Masters of Arts in English from Duke University and was assigned to the English Department at West Point.

In 1991, GEN Dempsey deployed with the Third Armored Division in support of OPERATION DESERT STORM. Following DESERT STORM, he commanded 4th Battalion 67th Armor (Bandits) in Germany for two years and then departed to become Armor Branch Chief in US Army Personnel Command. From 1996-1998 he served as the 67th Colonel of the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment. Following this assignment as the Army’s “senior scout” he served on the Joint Staff as an Assistant Deputy Director in J-5 and as Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Admiral James A. Winnefeld, Jr., is the Commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, headquartered at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

Admiral Winnefeld graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology and received his commission from the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He subsequently served with three fighter squadrons flying the F-14 Tomcat and as an instructor at the Navy Fighter Weapons School.

Admiral Winnefeld’s unit commands at sea include Fighter Squadron 211, USS Cleveland (LPD 7), and USS Enterprise (CVN 65). He led “Big E” through her 18th deployment, which included combat operations in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom immediately after the terrorist acts of Sept. 11, 2001. As Commander, Carrier Strike Group TWO/Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, he led Task Forces 50, 152, and 58 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and maritime interception operations in the Arabian Gulf. His most recent command tour was as Commander, United States SIXTH Fleet, Commander NATO Allied Joint Command Lisbon, and Commander Striking and Support Forces NATO.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Rear Admiral Losey is a native of Tacoma, Wash. He was commissioned in 1983 following his graduation from the United States Air Force Academy.

His operational assignments have included a full range of duties in SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) Teams, Special Boat Teams, and SEAL Teams. He commanded SDV Team One, and served as deputy commander and commander of Naval Special Warfare Development Group.

Losey completed multiple deployments to command Combined/Joint Special Operations Task Forces in Afghanistan, and deployed as a Naval Special Operations Component commander to Combined/Joint Special Operations Task Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. He served as deputy director for Operations to Special Operations Command Central, where he was responsible for the coordination of three Combined/Joint Special Operations Task Forces during the early stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has deployed on contingency or named operations to Central and South America, the Horn of Africa, the Caribbean, the Balkans, and the Pacific. He has worked extensively with international partners in enhancing security cooperation relationships, capabilities and capacities.

His staff assignments include duty as deputy commander, Naval Special Warfare Task Group, U.S. 6th Fleet, Maritime Operations officer and deputy chief of Current Operations in the Joint Special Operations Command, and U.S. 7th Fleet Special Warfare officer in USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). He recently completed an assignment in the Executive Office of the President as a director on the National Security Council Staff.

Losey holds a Masters in National Security Strategy from the National War College. He is a graduate of the Defense Language Institute, the Armed Forces Staff College, and Air Command and Staff College.

He has been re-assigned as Commander, US Special Operations Command, Africa, effective May 2011.

Afghanistan

Google

Delta Bravo Sierra

Volume 1

For a few bucks more you can get a signed copy from the author himself! http://www.deltabravosierra.us/2011/02/10/a-word-about-the-new-book/comment-page-1/#comment-3383
Get your copy of this legendary cartoon now (or wait a few days for the signed copy!)

Amazon Electronics

Profound Classics

Ace Of Spades: Why Language MattersIn this article, Ace of Spades demonstrates how the writing style of "journalists" and other writers is purposely used to influence the electorate. He explains this far better than I have been able to do, but this is the foundation of why I could no longer be silent.